Security Cameras

[TechSupp]

Hi All,
The heads just asked me to look into setting up some kind of monitoring system in a couple of corridors, cameras etc to find out who is flooding the toilets (this is a primary school). As per usual when asked what money is available for this I got the usual answer "not much!" Surprise!

The question is what options do I have and how cheaply can I set it up. Due to suggested locations I think it would probably have to be IP cameras (doesn't have to be wireless) as the distance to a nearby PC is too great for USB.

Looking forward to your suggestions

[Domino]

IP cameras can be pretty cheap, easy to set up, etc. try CPC for them.

However, you must have signs warning people they are being monitored and you can't have a camera pointing at a toilet door, is what our security advisor tells me.

[localzuk]

You can have a camera pointing a a toilet door as far as I'm aware, just make sure you can't see inside.

Also, if you are adding cameras for monitoring, how are you going to monitor? Have someone watching all the time or have them recorded?

[Quackers]

How much money you got to play with, we use Geovison cards at our school, found they are very good, but a decent card is £500 each. Then you need a decent PC to put it in, then buy the camera's.

[Ric_]

Sounds like you just need something cheap and simple. Check out the Panasonic BLC1 - cheap with EXCELLENT image quality, even in low light. No bells and whistles like PoE but for under £100 you cannot go wrong.

[saundersmatt]

I'm with Ric on the panasonic ip cameras only 40 quid at misco
They are better image quality than the BL-C10's which pan and tilt.

Matt

[witch]

If this is a primary school, wouldn't it be worth just sticking some sort of camera outside the door, with a cable leading off it, and telling them that they ARE being monitored (at least until you can afford a real bit of kit)!

[TechSupp]

If this is a primary school, wouldn't it be worth just sticking some sort of camera outside the door, with a cable leading off it, and telling them that they ARE being monitored (at least until you can afford a real bit of kit)!

That worked the last time apparently, but thanks for all the suggestions. Told the head the approx cost was £40 per camera and there as a sudden thump sound as the idea hit the back burner

When he said they didn't have much money he really meant it

Oh well one less job to do.